Neil Danns converted a highly-contentious spot-kick before the balance was redressed by Richard Cresswell courtesy of a similarly baffling decision, which also saw Owen Garvan sent off after arguing vociferously with referee Taylor.
Ten-man Palace went ahead through James Vaughan before Evans, who looked offside, levelled matters again. Daniel Bogdanovic won the third penalty of a thrilling game at Bramall Lane which he subsequently converted, before then being sent off in injury time for a challenge on Vaughan.
"I said it would be difficult to play against 10 men and that's how it proved to be," said Speed. "Palace defended great and made it difficult for us to break them down, but we showed our desire to come back.
"I thought both penalties in the first half were dubious. I think the referee knew he made a mistake with their penalty and he gave us one to even it up. I think the penalty he gave us for the winner was the only definite penalty of the night.
"Speroni (Julian, Crystal Palace keeper) made some good saves but the important thing was that the players didn't get anxious. They showed character and desire to come back and get a result."
Source: PA
Source: PA